A view of the 3D printed structure at the nationalized shipyard in Kolkata. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A start-up founded by IIT Madras alumni has built Kolkata’s first 3D printed structure at the Kolkata Shipyard for Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, founded in 2016 by alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and specializing in 3D printing construction, built the structure as a technology demonstrator for GRSE.
Defense Minister Giridhar Aramane commissioned the structure, which would be used by the GRSE to monitor shallow-water anti-submarine warfare vessels. GRSE has delivered 108 warships to India and other countries, the release said.
The 180 square foot 3D-printed modular office was designed and built in 10 days with a customized design that offers a comfortable workspace for six to eight people. The printing of the structure modules was done in two and a half days at Tvasta’s factory in Chennai and transported to the assembly site.
VS Adithya, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tvast, said the project demonstrates the urgency and capability of advanced construction technology. The project made optimal use of durable material to ensure robustness and durability, reduce wastage and lower carbon footprint, he said. Tvasta, based in Chennai and Bengaluru, has built the first 3D printed house at the IIT Madras campus. He made the first 3D monument in the country “Ananta Siras” for the 75th th anniversary of India Cements in Chennai in 2022.